SAG Awards Beauty by Joe Fresh: Rose Byrne

There is something so classically beautiful about Rose Byrne but I can't seem to put my finger on exactly what it is.  It could be her stunningly coiffed hair or her picture perfect skin or maybe it's her ability to rock any look thrown at her.  Yes, she even worked the lace onesie she wore to the SAG Awards though most of the press hated it. 

However, the coolest part of her look that evening was that her makeup was entirely the inexpensive JOE Fresh Cosmetic line which you all know I'm a fan of.  Check out some of these photos...

 

According to her makeup artist, the products used were JOE Fresh Primer, JOE Fresh Tinted Moisturizer in Bisque,  JOE Fresh Duo Concealer in Light (that I blogged about here), JOE Fresh Eye Pencil in Charcoal, 2 Cream Eye Shadows in Cactus and Playa, JOE Fresh Lash PlumpVolumizing Mascara in Black, Cream Blush in Rose, Powder blush in Rosette, JOE Fresh Highlighter, JOE Fresh Lip Liner in Cinnamon, JOE Fresh Lip Gloss in Chai and, last but not least, JOE Fresh Translucent Loose Powder to set the look.

Putting aside the fact that JOE Fresh is such a reasonable product line, I honestly think she looks like a million bucks.  It's just a bonus that almost all of their goodies are priced less then $10.

For the full article, check out HuffPost Style

Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Fuchsia: It's Finally Mine!!

Ever since I saw Elisha Cuthbert on the cover of the July issue of FLARE magazine sporting this JOE Fresh Fuchsia lipstick, I've wanted to get some for myself.  However, every Superstore I visited was completely sold out.  Seriously, EVERY location I checked was out!  ( And I checked almost everywhere....)

Imagine my excitement when I walked into Superstore on Sunday afternoon and found it hiding among the other lipsticks.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.  I bought it, ran home and immediately coated my lips.

Look how bright and fun this color is!!!  Plus, this pic is with me wearing only one coat and without any lip liner.  (Not too bad for a $6 lipstick, right?)

I am loving this shade because it adds a perfect punch of color to any outfit PLUS it looks fabulous with very minimal makeup.  Another reason this lipstick is great is because it's matte.  It goes on very smooth and keeps your lips nice and moisturized without being glossy.

If you're on the hunt for a great fuchsia lip color AND can find it in stores, I highly recommend checking this one out.  Seriously, it's so great that the next time I find it in a Superstore I'm going to buy all the tubes I find.....ha.

XO

The Skinny on Blushes: What Types and What Work!

Blush is slowly becoming one of my favorite beauty products.  Being as pasty pale as I am normally, blush gives me the color I am so lacking.  Plus, when put on properly, it adds so much to the angles of your face.  Honestly, you can have model-worthy cheekbones with the perfect pink tone.  Oh, I should also mention, you can also create drool-worthy cleavage with a good blush too.  (Hey, I do what I have to....ha.)

Thanks to my pal over at Vintage Makeup who, after reading my Skinny on Concealers post, kindly suggested I do a similar blush post and I am soooo glad she did  (thanks so much lady!!).  I may not be a professional makeup artist BUT man, do I know a lot about blushes.  (Some good and some bad.)  So, for those that aren't aware, there are four different types of blushes: loose powder, pressed powder, cream, liquid (aka gel, in some areas) and pencils/stick.  (Of course, if you count highlighters and bronzers there'd be seven but, to me, these aren't blushes.).  All five are designed to give your cheeks that perfect warm hue but some do the job better than others.  Here's a list of my personal faves, broken down by type:

Loose Powder Blush: Avon Smooth Minerals Blush

It's no surprise that I am a huge fan of Avon products.  Their products are actually really great and no where else can you find a mineral blush for under $12.  It's unbelievable!!  This blush is great because it goes on smooth, doesn't make your skin oily and is very long lasting.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Long-lasting

Colors are all nice and subtle

Doesn't cause your skin to become greasy or oily

Cons:

Must be ordered either online or through an Avon rep

Pressed Powder: Illamasqua Powder Blush

So, this was a toss up for me.  When I think powder blush, I would always say NARS with no hesitation.  However, my allegiance seems to have changed since trying this brand.  Illamasqua makes a FABULOUS powder blush.  For the money, the blush colors are extremely pigmented and they feel virtually weightless on your cheeks.  Another thing is that they last a long time, both on your skin and in the palette.  Trust me when I say a little goes a long way.

Pros:

Fantastic colors (Hussy is my FAVE)

Extremely pigmented

Long-lasting on your skin

Virtually weightless 

Glides on very smooth 

Very blendable

Cons:

Price could be a factor for some

Not available in Canada (well, not in Vancouver, anyway)

Cream Blush: Estee Lauder Signature Satin Cream Blush

It still surprises me that I've yet to RAVE about this product in a post.  Seriously, for years this was my go-to blush.  Does it help that my mom worked with Estee Lauder, oh probably, but seriously, this blush glides on sooo smooth and doesn't settle in your lines or skin imperfections.  Plus, it's not overly creamy.  By this I mean there is no stickiness once it's on your skin.  

Pros:

Amazing price for the quality

Long lasting on your skin

Doesn't settle in pores so it makes skin look younger

Intense color so a little goes a long way

Doesn't make your skin oily so though it's made for drier skin, can work on anyone

Cons:

Not enough colors 

Liquid Blush: Benefit Posie Tint Cheek Stain

How I lived as long as I have without this product still amazes me.  I first discovered Benefit High Beam and, after I realized how great it was, I branched out to other products.  Like the Posie Tint for example.  This liquid dries in an instant and adds a sheer pink tint to your cheeks (or lips).  Best part of this blush is how long it lasts.  Seriously, I apply this in the morning and when I take it off at night (some 14 hours later) it still looks fabulous.  

Pros:

Water resistent

Extremely long lasting

Very dramatic color

Easily applied (even if you're not a blush pro)

Dries instantly

Looks very natural

Cons:

Should you use too much, it can stain your fingers a little

Can be hard to spread if you apply too much 

Stick Blush: Joe Fresh Style Cheek Tint

Did you know that this blush stick is only $4...YES, I know.  $4!!!  Hence why this had to appear on my faves list.  Not only is the price good, but the product is remarkably good too.  The colors are very pigmented and they are very easy to bend into the skin.

Pros:

Easy to apply

Can be used on lips as well

Doesn't make skin oily 

Have a wide range of colors

Cons:

Can be sticky when applying

Cheap quality (you get what you pay for)

Blushes (like everything else) are a very personal choice and what might work for me may not work for you.  I highly suggest trying out all the different types of blushes and find the one that works best for you.  I will say that with all the different types and brands out there, you're bound to find your go-to product!

XO

My Newest Nail Polish Haul

When I decide to buy a new cosmetic, I can never just buy one.  Seriously, it's a big issue.

Take my latest nail polish haul, for example.  I was going through my polish collection and realized I didn't have a mint green/blue color.  So, I went to the drugstore and picked up a mint color AND a fuscia purple color.  Then, I went to Superstore to look at the Joe Fresh product line and bought three more nail polishes.  After that, I came home and bought three new Avon polishes.  Needless to say, I bought eight polishes instead of the intended one.  And the worst part is, because I'm crap at painting my own nails, I don't even end up using them as often as I should.  But honestly, these colors are so gorgeous that I couldn't pass them up:

GOSH Cosmetics is such a fantastic cosmetic line.  And I am happy to say that their polishes are really great too!  (The pink one has been on my toes for the past week.)  From left to right the colors are Miss Minty and Flamingo.  By the way, they were on sale for $7 a piece which I think is an absolute steal.

Here are the Avon polishes.  From left to right the colors are Mambo Melon, Cotton Candy and Sunshine.  I haven't used any of these polishes yet but can't wait to paint my nails that pretty coral color.  Plus, they were a steal at 3 for $6.99.

Can I just say that the Joe Fresh polishes are definitely some of my faves.  I can't get over how bright and cheerful the colors are!   From left to right the colors are Pineapple, Cobalt and Papaya.  These polishes were on special at 3 for $10.

As you can see, I chose Cotton Candy for my nails today.  I love the pink color, as it's not overbearing, but still seems to go with every outfit.

What has been your recent favorite nail polish color? 

XO

The Skinny on Concealers: What Types and What Works

I envy the girl that can wake up, throw on some tinted moisturizer (minus the concealer), add a quick dab of powder and look completely flawless.

Just in case you couldn't tell, this simple makeup regimen is NOT mine.  It's not mine because it's missing the most important makeup step of all: The Concealer Step.  And yes, I really do consider this a step.  It's a step (for me anyway) because I always apply is AFTER my tint/foundation and BEFORE my powder/setting powder.  Because it's an in-between step, I need a concealer that's not too heavy, provides great coverage and doesn't become shiny during the day.

For those that don't know, there are four different types of concealers: powder, liquid, cream and stick.  All four do different things but their primary goal is to cover imperfections.  Here's a list of my personal faves, (broken down by type):

Powder Concealer: IsaDora Mineal Powder Concealer

I stumbled on this brand while on a trip to the states a while back and picked it up on a whim.  (I'd never heard of a powder concealer until that moment).  Powder is a great concealer for problem skin because it covers the blemish without it looking too covered.  However, you must apply a powder concealer with a fantastic concealer brush.  (I highly recommend Quo for brushes.  However, if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can go to a craft store and select some small paint brushes; they work really well too.)

 Pros:

Offers sheer to medium coverage depending on your application technique

Flawless looking when on

Mineral concealer so it won't clog your pores

Doesn't settle into fine lines so looks like you're wearing nothing at all

Price point is perfect: $12 USD

Cons:

Not available in Canada

Liquid Concealer: Clinique Quick Corrector  

Thanks to my mom, I've been using this product for years.  Liquid concealer is perfect for under-eye bags because it also doesn't settle into your fine lines.  It's also great for on-the-go spot treatment because of it's handy applicator.  Clinique's Quick Corrector is provides full coverage without being overly heavy looking.

Pros:

Full coverage 

Covers blemishes and scarring very well

Product does not look to heavy when on skin

Probably the best concealer for dark circles under eyes

Cons: 

Tube doesn't last too long

Applicator is quite unsanitary 

Cream Concealer: Youngblood Ultimate Concealer

This is honestly my go-to concealer; I use it everyday!  Cream concealers are perfect for people that like a little bit extra coverage or if you have oily skin.  This product gives fantastic coverage, lasts all day, does not make your skin oily, doesn't breakouts and lasts FOREVER.  Plus, since you use a brush to apply, you can apply the concealer perfectly without getting too much of the skin around the problem areas.  So, less product is used and your face doesn't look caked.

Pros: 

Full coverage 

Matches fair skin tones perfectly

Lasts all day without making skin oily

Is perfect for afternoon touch-ups

Doesn't settle into fine lines

Doesn't clog pores

Cons:

Is a bit pricey: $25 USD

Stick Concealer: Joe Fresh Duo Concealer Stick

This is a duo concealer so one side is a liquid, while the other is a stick.  I do not use the liquid whatsoever on this product.  Reason being is I don't like the texture of it and it doesn't cover very well.  However, the stick portion is great.  Stick concealer is perfect for spot coverage because you can just dab the spot with the stick and you're good to go.  Typically, I find most stick concealers really dry and difficult to apply but this one is reamarkably good.

Pros:

Available in Canada at every Superstore location

Fair concealer actually matches my super pale complexion

Tube lasts a very long time for a stick concealer

Much more hygenic than a liquid concealer

Only costs about $7 CAN 

Cons:

It's cheap quality

Might not be the best for people that are prone to breakouts

Concealers are a very personal choice and what might work for one, may not work for another.  I recommend trying out different brands and types to see what works best for you.  Remember, once you've decided on a type (liquid, cream, powder or stick), you are WELL on your way to finding the one that works.

XO

OOTD & FOTD: Lovely Blues

It's been raining in Vancouver for, oh, about the past week and a bit so this morning I made the decision to wear a dress. Not just any dress but one of my long maxi dresses (strapless) to make me feel like I was in Mexico or at least somewhere that isn't raining. And....It totally worked!!! Not only did the rain break for a bit but I paired it with my awesome new aviators and got so many compliments.

Here's the dress:

I love this dress because it was inexpensive ($25 Old Navy last year) and is extremely forgiving, if you know what I mean.

Man, this is a crap picture. Either way, you can sort of see the blue I used on my eyes.

This picture is much better. ( I, of course, blame poor lighting...ha) I, as usual, have my shimmer all-over glow going on as well as a light coral lip.

FACE
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Porcelain Ivory
Joe Fresh Duo Concealer in Light
Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup in Shade 102 (N)
Youngblood Brow Artiste in Dark

CHEEKS
Marcelle Graphic Face Pressed Powder in Prismatic Neutrals (All-Over Glow)
Mark Good Glowing Custom Pick Powder Blush in Star Glo
ELF Studio Simmer Palette (Highlight under eyes)

LIPS
ELF Super Glossy Lip Shine in Goddess

EYES
ELF Eyelid Primer
Rimmel London Color Rush Trio Eye Shadow in Maritime
Mark Custom Pick Eye Shadow in Night Owl (amazing color!!!!)
Youngblood Intense Color Eye Pencil in Blackest Black
Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara

PS - I told Allan (the BF) that I would give him a shout out for taking the pictures. So, thanks babe!! xo

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone

Superstore: I Heart You and Your Duo Concealer

Allan hates Superstore. Whenever I suggest going, he'll find an excuse for us to go somewhere smaller. I get that he dislikes the crowds, the lines, the poor food selection, and the yellow coloring......

But what he doesn't get is that Superstore has the JOE Fresh Line.

I adore Superstore for this line alone. Seriously, I have bought some pretty amazing clothes from there plus all my gloves for winter, cute flats, skinny belts and, my newest JOE obsession, beauty products.

I went to a Superstore last night that I'd never been to before. It was extremely large and the staff was confused, but, all in all, they had a great selection of cosmetics, which is where I beelined immediately. I was perusing through their sale bins when I noticed a HUGE white stand that said "JOE Fresh Beauty".

I was dumbfounded. Yes, I'd noticed the stand on one of my "we-need-to-get-groceries-let's-make-it-snappy" outings with Allan but I had never actually NOTICED it. I stopped in front of it, set my basket down, took my sunglasses off and stared at the pretty cosmetics for about 3 minutes.

I would like to say right now that they have quite a good selection of colors. For us pasteys, the cream foundation and bronzer colors might be a bit too dark, but the pressed powder and concealers were quite good. In fact, I purchased the JOE Fresh Beauty Duo Concealer to test it out. Oh, and it was only $8. (I'll say this right now, as much as I love Youngblood Cosmetics, I despise paying $22 for a concealer. I am definitely trying to source a cheaper option.)

After my $8 purchase, I rushed right home to wash my makeup off and try the new product. Just so everyone knows, it's a duo concealer. One end is a liquid with a sponge applicator and the other is a cream solid that can twist up. (I prefer cream concealers so that's the side I used.) I used the cream end, applying it with a concealer brush, and the color was actually almost a perfect match. I also found that I didn't have to use as much as I did with the Youngblood and my skin wasn't feeling as oily. All in all, for an $8 concealer from Superstore I was impressed immensly. Time will tell whether I break out or not, but for the most part, I highly recommend trying the line ladies!

NOTE: I am in no way comparing JOE Fresh Beauty with Youngblood because YB is a mineral makeup line, where as JOE Fresh isn't. I will say that the feel of the JOE Fresh product on my face is less oily, less shiny and well worth the $8.